Political Quotes

“I think that every Member of Congress, and especially Democrats, at this point should welcome the recommendations of the two cochairs of the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform. This is one of the rare, tangible, and comprehensive approaches that have come through the political process to deal with an issue that everyone should be concerned about: how we pay for what America needs amidst growing budget deficits and strains on our entitlement programs. We must not underestimate the value of two reasonable, credible people, Erskine Bowles and Alan Simpson, both with experience on a national scale and an assignment from the President, who have recommended a combination of ways to increase revenue and deal with entitlement spending. Every independent observer feels that such a balance is a critical part of the solution. The question is what the balance should be between revenue increases, budget and benefit cuts, and most critical of all, how we change doing business. The reform and evolution of our government's role is central. Unless we can change the way we do business--Medicare, defense, agriculture--no amount of tax increase or program cuts will get America to where we need to be with our economy and government services. This is the debate that we Democrats, especially those who are in the center or left of center, should welcome.…”